InnerConstellation.com

07/15/2025

Last night, I called my dear nephew to share something meaningful: I’ve been invited to speak in a documentary about my teacher, Thich Nhat ...

04/21/2025

Dear IC folks, an article written for www.WiseCaregiving.org for an event warmly extended to our community. Could you use an online Day of Rest?

This week in community, one woman caring for her adult child mentioned how difficult it had become to restore amid her caregiving life. Many present who are also caregivers nodded their heads understandably, including me.

When we left the video call, I walked to my kitchen window and looked outside, just in time to see a neighbor kid, maybe 5 years old, with his bike tipped over on its side, excitedly exploring a bag my husband had placed on the curb the night before. It was marked “Free,” and filled with used tennis balls for dogs and such.

Surrounding the kid were a few of his friends, looking to be a few years older, also on bikes, playing it cool while waiting for him to finish. He filled his arms with the bright green treasures. “1, 2, 3, 4, 5,” he seemed to be counting as he carefully placed each into his cradled arms. Little guy then smiled hugely as he passed them out to his buddies. One friend began to ride away, not waiting to receive his gift, and the young one ran after him and pushed it into his pant pocket as he rode, slow and cool as a cucumber. The boy ran back to his bike, and I noticed he had saved a tennis ball for himself. My heart filled—yes, yes!

My dear neighbor kids inspired a deep desire to care well for myself so I can be there with love and exuberance for the world, for my friends, neighbors, coworkers, and my family—to have the capacity to find delight in the offerings waiting for and to share them, not just with those surrounding me, but with myself. Caring for oneself is vital for sustained care to others.

As I thought about our morning support group, a gentle idea emerged—what if we intentionally reclaimed one day to restore our hearts, reconnect with our spirit, and renew our capacity to care—for ourselves, our loved ones, and this beautiful, fired-up world?

Across many traditions, people have set aside a day each week to pause and reconnect—whether it’s called the Sabbath, a Day of Mindfulness, or simply a time of rest. It’s a day to step back from our usual roles and tend to what matters most: spiritual grounding, reflection, and community.

So let’s do just that—together. On Sunday, June 8 from 9:00am–12:00pm, we invite you to join Wise Caregiving for “Reclaiming a Day for the Spirit,” a morning of quiet renewal before the busy summer begins. After registering, you’ll receive a short email with three thoughtful questions to help guide and prepare you for our shared time.

If you find nourishment in a contemplative community, we warmly invite you to gather online on June 8, in the comfort of your home and your potentially messy life. Let’s create space to rest, refuel, and reconnect with what truly sustains us.

To register and learn more, please visit: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/reclaim-a-day-for-the-spirit

Your donation helps us offer heartfelt, sustainable support and training for caregivers, rooted in wisdom and compassion.

We can’t wait to pause with you and reclaim what grounds us most deeply.

Warmly,
Karla Johnston, Executive Director
www.WiseCaregiving.org

09/16/2024

Perhaps it is in serving, that we are served…newest Autumn contemplation 🍂

I'm sitting at my writing table window, watching the wind whip clean the Pine branches. Dead, brown pine straw lets go of the trees and flut...

08/01/2024

07/26/2024

The search for Lotuses in Mud is a life journey fully embraced...

Free Will
©July 25, 2024 Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

“What-cha doing tonight?”
You ask with sincerity,
as if catching up over a shared ice cream sundae,
instead of you, walking the streets at midnight,
looking for a can opener.

I answer, “Just reading.”
You inquire the title,
“Worthy,” I say.

Then, it’s your turn.
“Went to the food bank,
they gave me cans I can’t open
and rice I can’t cook.”
You laugh,
curiously light,
curiously free.

“How was your day?”
I answer the typical, “Pretty good.
“I’ve been busy but today had some gaps.”
“Nice,” you answer, “anything cool happen?”
What is this depth? Space, genuine interest and care?
We talk about swimming, stuffing one’s pants with groceries,
everything falling onto the floor upon arriving at the cashier.
Paying $3.21 for an item, meant as distraction,
while everyone in line cracks up at the obvious.
Cashier pays the bill, avoiding conflict.
I comment, “There are good people.”
“Sure are,” you say.

Creative projects are next shared,
me a poem or two,
you panhandling art and exploring cool scripts,
reflections on your tag name, “Zoners,”
a play on Zen-ers.

Quite honestly, even though there are moments of heartbreak,
it’s the most interesting conversation I’ve had all week.
I’m sad to get off the phone,
you’re down to 41%, next charge unknown.
It's been a week, since last we talked.
So much has transpired,
some events unimaginable.
I feel grasping,
yearning,
I tell you—please be safe.
You tell me you love me, and I know it’s entirely true.
I’ve never doubted it
and it’s the same for you.

06/11/2024

Finding our identities in the practice of peace and open-heartedness:

I’m sitting on a meditation Zoom call, in the garden. A brilliant blue Steller's Jay lands in the empty granite pond and c***s it’s head lik...

05/24/2024

The support of community and the heart of why I practice mindfulness...

In Zen Peacemakers there's a term used to express stepping into an unknown experience, perhaps of your own accord, or perhaps through happen...

03/25/2024

The practice of Mindfulness is a way to ride the waves of life, a solid base of support for ourselves and our loved ones. Please sign up for our evidence-based online class to build community and an eventual home practice:. Scan barcode or click here: https://buy.stripe.com/14k15N2wo5aRao88wx

03/14/2024

3/14 Bearing Witness -

Save the date and wear your green!! March 17  from 9:00am-10:00am ~ Recovery Event: Have You Ever Experienced Tough Love?  Wednesdays 7:30a-8:30a ~ Radiant Heart Sangha Thursdays 7:45a-8:45a ~ Zoom Lotuses in the Mud Recovery Family Meeting ID: 988 3428 9711 Password: LTMC

03/12/2024

3/12 Depths of Light -

Save the date and wear your green!! March 17  from 9:00am-10:00am ~ Recovery Event: Have You Ever Experienced Tough Love?  Wednesdays 7:30a-8:30a ~ Radiant Heart Sangha Thursdays 7:45a-8:45a ~ Zoom Lotuses in the Mud Recovery Family Meeting ID: 988 3428 9711 Password: LTMC

03/08/2024

3/08 Precious Life Eternal -

  Save the date and wear your green!! March 17  from 9:00am-10:00am ~ Recovery Event: Have You Ever Experienced Tough Love?  Wednesdays 7:30a-8:30a ~ Radiant Heart Sangha Thursdays 7:45a-8:45a ~ Zoom Lotuses in the Mud Recovery Family Meeting ID: 988 3428 9711 Password: LTMC

03/07/2024

3/07 Flutter -

  Save the date and wear your green!! March 17  from 9:00am-10:00am ~ Recovery Event: Have You Ever Experienced Tough Love?  Wednesdays 7:30a-8:30a ~ Radiant Heart Sangha Thursdays 7:45a-8:45a ~ Zoom Lotuses in the Mud Recovery Family Meeting ID: 988 3428 9711 Password: LTMC